Automated GUI interface testing
US5781720A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2201/86
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for automated testing of both new and revised computer application programs which use a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Simulated user events such as keyboard or mouse actions are automatically input into the GUI interface. The GUI is then monitored to observes the changes to the GUI in response to the input. The invention comprises a test script which is written in a high level programming language, a test executive which executes the test script, and a test driver which provides the interface to the GUI. The test script is directed towards operation on logical objects, instead of GUI-specific references. The primary responsibility of the test executive is to convert GUI-independent references into GUI-specific references. The test driver takes the GUI-specific references from the test executive and performs the actual interface to the GUI objects. A uniform hierarchial naming scheme is employed to identify each Logical Screen Element (LSE) under test, LSEs being the objects used in the GUI environment to interface with the user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.